Images of Japan

I think that this picture taps into the myth of Japan as a uniform culture that is pristine, orderly, and homogeneous. Mt. Fuji is also present in this picture, and is usually one of the most commonly used images relating to Japan. The connotation of this image could be seen as representing the culture of Japan and how ancient it is.
 

This picture uses the myth of ninjas. Adding onto the comment along with the previous picture, the presence of Mt. Fuji in the background gives the connotation of a tradition that has been around a long time, and, like a mountain, is unmovable or unchangeable, it persists throughout the years and serves as a foundation. This image also blends traditional and modern, combining traditional, or at least Asian-looking, architecture with the more modern looking multi-paneled screens

This photo presents a more cute and child-like representation of Japan, which contrasts with the first image that represents the more traditional side of Japan. In spite of the fact that these two girls look to be in high school, they are wearing clothes that many Westerners/Americans would associate with children's clothes, such as the Minne Mouse purse or the colorful barrettes. These are all items that could be considered the signified items to the signifier, "cute."  

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I apologize ahead of time if I make anyone feel uncomfortable. I chose a U by Kotex ad for sanitary napkins.

Recent U by Kotex ads have tried to convey simplicity; that is, pointing out that their products and advertisements do not need all of the gimmicks that other tampon/sanitary napkin commercials use in order to attract consumers. 

The black background and simple, yet emphasized font, make the add look uncomplicated. The message in the white font is meant to identify with female consumers who have likely gone through the process of comparing brands and choosing which ever brand has come up with the best or most descriptors for their product. The yellow/green font at the end of the message is the emphasis of their message. Overall, the separation of the product and the message seems to suggest that if the consumer likes their clear, simple, and gimmick-free message, then the answer is simple- just buy the product.

The name of the brand also is supposed to say a lot about the product. The signifier, U, represents the signified consumer. The connotation of "U" is that it is used in informal written conversation. Although "U" is very informal, it still conveys a simple, and nearly impossible to misunderstand message. This is also a way of skipping all of the "unnecessary letters," where a letter makes the same sound that sounds like a well known word in the English language. It also could be seen as playing into the myth hat simpler is better.  

(Here is one of their commercials that sort of implies the use of semiotics while making fun of the stereotypical tampon/pad ad.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpypeLL1dAs